Maine generally permits adults to own common pocketknives, fixed blades, and automatic knives. The state’s former dangerous-knife statute was repealed in 2015. The main current carry rule focuses on threatening display and concealed carry of specified knives or other dangerous or deadly weapons. [1] [2]
Maine does not use one general statewide blade-length limit for adult ownership or carry. Classification, concealment, purpose, conduct, location, and local rules matter more than a single measurement.
What knives may you own in Maine?
Maine does not impose a current general state ban on adult ownership of ordinary folding knives, fixed blades, automatic knives, OTF knives, or balisongs. Title 17-A, § 1055, formerly titled “Possession or distribution of dangerous knives,” is marked repealed. [2]
Ownership does not authorize threatening display, criminal use, possession at a prohibited place, or violation of school, employment, or private-property rules.
May you openly carry a knife?
Title 25, § 2001-A prohibits displaying in a threatening manner a firearm, slungshot, knuckles, Bowie knife, dirk, stiletto, or other dangerous or deadly weapon usually employed in attack or defense. [1]
This means the statute is not a simple ban on visible knives. A lawfully possessed utility knife carried without threatening conduct is different from drawing, brandishing, or displaying a weapon to intimidate another person. Context and design still matter.
May you carry a knife concealed?
The same statute prohibits wearing under one’s clothes or concealing about the person a Bowie knife, dirk, stiletto, or other dangerous or deadly weapon usually employed in attack or defense. [1]
A common single-edged folding utility knife is not automatically one of those named weapons, but there is no universal guarantee based only on a seller’s label. Blade design, intended use, method of carry, and surrounding circumstances may affect classification.
Is there an exception for hunting, fishing, or trapping?
Section 2001-A states that the concealed-weapon prohibition does not apply to knives used to hunt, fish, or trap as defined in Title 12. [1]
The exception is purpose-specific. Do not assume that merely being outdoors or owning a hunting license automatically covers unrelated concealed carry.
Are automatic knives prohibited?
No current statewide statute categorically bans possession of automatic knives. Maine repealed its former dangerous-knife provision in 2015. [2]
Automatic opening does not exempt a knife from the current carry law. A design that functions as a dirk, stiletto, or other dangerous or deadly weapon may still require analysis under § 2001-A, and federal commerce or shipping rules may apply.
What rules apply at schools?
Maine school boards must adopt policies addressing possession of a dangerous weapon on school property without permission of a school official. Those policies are tied to suspension and expulsion authority and can reach conduct beyond the narrow statewide carry summary. [3]
Practical rule: do not take a knife to a school, school bus, or school activity without clear written authorization for a legitimate purpose.
Can Maine municipalities adopt additional knife rules?
Maine’s home-rule statute gives municipalities broad ordinance authority over local affairs, subject to state and federal limits. The state’s express weapons-preemption statute is written for firearms, not knives. [4] [5]
As a practical result, do not assume every town treats knife carry identically. Check the current official municipal code, especially for parks, public buildings, events, and concealed weapons.
What vehicle, travel, and private-property rules matter?
Keep any knife closed or sheathed and secured against movement during transport. A vehicle does not override the concealed-weapon statute, a school restriction, private-property rule, or another state’s law.
Businesses, employers, event operators, and property owners may prohibit knives. The Transportation Security Administration prohibits knives in carry-on baggage except for plastic or round-bladed butter knives. Checked-baggage and airline requirements still apply. [6]
What should you verify before carrying?
- Whether the knife could be classified as a Bowie knife, dirk, stiletto, or dangerous or deadly weapon usually employed in attack or defense.
- Whether the carry method makes the knife concealed about the person.
- Whether a hunting, fishing, or trapping exception genuinely applies.
- Whether a school, employer, venue, or property owner prohibits the knife.
- Whether the municipality or another state has a stricter rule.
Conclusion
Maine generally allows common knives and no longer has its former automatic-knife ban. The key statewide concerns are threatening display and concealed carry of named knives or other dangerous or deadly weapons, with a limited exception for knives used to hunt, fish, or trap. School policies and local ordinances also require separate review.
Last reviewed: August 24, 2026.
This article provides general information, not legal advice. Knife laws and their interpretation can change and may depend on design, carry method, purpose, location, local ordinance, and conduct. Verify current law through official sources or consult a qualified Maine attorney about a specific situation.
Sources & References
- [1] Maine Revised Statutes, Title 25, § 2001-A. Threatening display, concealed weapons, and hunting, fishing, and trapping exception.
- [2] Maine Revised Statutes, Title 17-A, former § 1055. Official page showing the dangerous-knife provision was repealed in 2015.
- [3] Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, § 1001. School-board authority and dangerous-weapon policies.
- [4] Maine Revised Statutes, Title 30-A, § 3001. Municipal home-rule ordinance authority.
- [5] Maine Revised Statutes, Title 25, § 2011. State preemption provision written for firearms.
- [6] Transportation Security Administration — Knives. Federal carry-on and checked-baggage guidance.
